What happens when traffic light turns red while waiting to make a left turn?

When the traffic light turns red while waiting to make a left turn, the correct response is to yield to oncoming traffic before completing the turn. This approach ensures the safety of all road users, as turning left from a red light may be permissible only if you are at an intersection where such a turn is allowed, and as long as you give the right of way to any oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

In Illinois, left turns on red are generally permissible only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, and the driver must yield to all other traffic and pedestrians first. This ensures that the left turn does not interfere with the flow of traffic and that safety is maintained for those traveling straight through the intersection.

Choices such as turning immediately or proceeding without regard to the light would disregard the traffic laws and could lead to dangerous situations or accidents. Remaining stopped indefinitely does not follow the proper procedure for making a left turn on red when safe and legal to do so. Thus, yielding while making a left turn when the light turns red is the correct and safest choice.